Word Meaning
बोझ
bojh
Meaning
A burden, weight, load, or heavy moral debt.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting a physical load or weight, 'bojh' metaphorically signifies psychological sorrow, duty, or an unfulfilled debt. In this couplet, it represents the lingering moral burden of performing the final prostration (sajdah) in devotion, which weighed heavily upon the lover until discharged under the executioner's blade.
Etymology
From Prakrit *बोझ्झ (bojjha), tracing back to Indo-Aryan roots connected to Sanskrit वह् (vah - to carry) and भार (bhāra - load).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it often evokes the inescapable weariness of life, obligations of love, or the oppressive debt of mortal existence.
Examples
The heavy burden on the heart was slightly lightened.
Enduring the unbearable burden of worldly existence.